More collaboration needed to curb poaching

Of late; there have been reports of rising incidents of poaching in the Greater Virunga Landscape. This has triggered fears among the regional countries that share the ecosystem – home to the famous and highly endangered Mountain Gorilla.While institutions such as the Greater Virunga Transboundary Collaboration (GVTC) deserve credit for reinforcing anti-poaching mechanisms across the region, poaching has continued to undermine these noble efforts. Over the last few months, more than 300 traps have been unearthed and destroyed. This not only serves as an example of how determined poachers are, but also demonstrates how grave the problem is. To end poaching, regional governments and stakeholders need to increase collaboration, both on the policy level and implementation of anti-poaching mechanisms.More stringent laws need to be put in place and a more aggressive awareness programme needs to be drawn up that will highlight the benefits of wild life to the community.For the communities that are prone to involvement in poaching, programmes that offer them an alternative source of income should be initiated as has been the case in Musanze where former poachers are reaping big from various income generating activities.And, with advancement in technology, security agencies from the various countries should share information on those who trade in illegal animal products and their business chain. Through close cooperation, poaching can be done away with.

Opinions

More collaboration needed to curb poaching